Research Opportunities

Research your interest:

• Use each department's website to find faculty members who you may be interested in working with. Read their webpages and see what information is available about their lab online. Below is a list of faculty members that have previously worked with Human Biology students. Please note that you are not limited to these departments, or to Hunter College. You can find research opportunities at other institutions as well using these same steps!

• Anthropology Department 

• Belfer Research Building

• Biological Sciences Department

• Chemistry Department

• Psychology Department 

• School of Nursing 

• Sociology Department

Learn about their work 

• Find the faculty members's published research by using library databases. Read what you can, noting what interests you and what questions you have. (Repeat this process with multiple faculty members to try to find the best fit for you).  

Contact the faculty member/lab

• Be sure to write a thorough and formal email, expressing your interest in their work, showing your knowledge about what they do, and requesting an appointment. Be sure to bring a few questions about their work to the meeting -- as well as something to take notes with! Always be sure to address your recipient with the correct title -- Professor or Dr. for professors! Never address a professor by their first name. 

• Please keep in mind that each email should be tailored to that professor, which includes: their name, research topic, and why you are interested in their work. You should not copy and paste the same email to all faculty you are interested in connecting with.

• Take into consideration how long you would be interested in being part of a research lab. While an internship is designed to be a one-semester experience, often students benefit most from being in a research lab for multiple semesters, and usually, professors prefer a student who is willing to stay in the lab long-term. You should include this information in your email. 

Follow up with the professor/lab accordingly 

• Remember that faculty members are busy, and you may have to send a follow up email or reach out to another professor instead. After your appointment, keep in contact with the professor as requested. 

DON'T 

• DON'T add the professors to your application WITHOUT asking first 

• DON'T ask someone who doesn't know you well

• DON'T wait until the last minute 

• DON'T forget to give context. (An email that says "Can you write me a letter?" is not acceptable.)

• DON'T use AI to write your email! AI generated emails are impersonal and unappealing. 

• DON'T assume they'll say yes. Have backup plans!

• DON'T forget to say thank you, and DON'T forget to give your recommender updates on your applications as you hear back!